The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-03-18
THE BASEBALL PROSPECT,
An Enthusiastic Business Mems Meeting
Greatly Encourages the Club.
1t Is Believed that All the Money Needed
Will Be Secured-The Directors Will
Pay for the Franchise at Once.


At the baseball meeting, last night, one
hundred or more of the leading business men of
the city were present, and it was evident before
the proceedings began that there no idea of
allowing the club to fail for want of financial
support Judge Martindale presided, and
taking the chair said; indianapolis must have
the club or she will be greatly damaged For
the past few years she has been whipped city.
The fact that we were down has been talked
about everywhere and other cities have attempted
to make much capital out of it. For the past
few months the tune has changed, and the city
is referred to quito differently. The business
men do not thoroughly understand the great
benefit to be derived from having the club The
profits to anyone of that class who has sub
scribed will be larger than the amount of his
subscription. The name of Indianapolis will be
advertised by the club, and bulletined in every
other city of the country every day. That fact,
alone, will benefit u.s."
Mr.. Newberger, president Of the board. stated
that the directors desired to name as board to
act with them, l. S. Gordon, E. B. Martindale.
Ed Schurmann. Joseph Schwabacher, John II.
Holiday, Frank Morrison, Alfred Burdsall and
Frank Creelman. The gentlemen named were
elected by reclamation. Mr.. Newberger further
said that the principal object and in fact, the
only one of the meeting was to complete
| the subscription list The directors had
worked earnestly, but still about
| $4,000 short of the amount necessary before
| the club would be brought here Two thousand
| dollars was raised yesterday. He suggested that
| all persons present be waited upon and solicited
| to subscribe the needed amount Just as he was
| closing his remarks. a telegraph boy appeared
| and handed him the following telegram:
ROCHESTER, N Y. March II.
| Louis Newberger-We commend the pluck aud en-
terprise which places Indianapolis in the League with
the great cities of the country and authorize to
subscribe 800 additional for to keep her there.
Whatever will perfect the enterprise and advance the
prosperity of Indianapolis has our hearty support
| RoTHsCHILD, HAYES & Co.,
| Projectors of Model Clothing Store.
| The telegram put new life into the meeting.
| and MIR. Martindale said he believed there were
plenty of business men in the room to raise the
| necessary amount without passing around pa
per. He called for volunteers and the follow
| ing gentlemen pledged 800 each: John Carey,
| Eli Lilly & CO.. A. kiefer & Co.. Henry Co
burn, DR.. Henry Jameson and one firm who de-
| sired its name withheld. W. F. A Rernhamer
| subscribed $50, making the total amount raised
ST OPS. After this responses came slow, until Hen
| ry Coburn, the lumber dealer, announced that
he would be one of a committee to pledge 81 600
by this evening at o'clock. Mr.. Martlndale said
he would be another of the committee, and The
| following additional gentlemen agreed to COM
plete committee Of five to secure the remain
der of the fund: j. c. McCutcheon, NJ. H.
Spades and Eli Lilly The directors then pledged
another $1,000, and the adjunct board of direct
ors pledged themselves to raise the third thou
sand to day.
Mr.. Martindale suggested that the business
men of the city should purchase season tickets
for distribution among their customers. and the
| plan met with favor. Quite number CT whole
sale men agreed to purchase for customers who
| reside near enough to come to the city
to witness games Mr.. Gordon said he
had never seen base ball fever run so high In
| his canvassing for subscriptions he met many
| workngmen who were willing to donate small
| sums but the directors did not want their
| money. The business men the ones to be
| benefited. and they should furnish the means &c
| back the club. He had talked with quite a mum
Der of his customers from the surrounding
| towns, and all of them were enthusiastic over
| the fact that Indianapolis could have the club
! A Kokomo gentleman told him that hundreds
| would come from that town to witness every
game.
The three committees which guaranteed 81, 00(
each will make thorough canvass of the city
to-day, and all the business will be called
upon. Those who have already subscribed viii
be expected to double their stock. AT 8 O'Clock
this evening reports of this work will be made
at Room G. Fletcher & Sharpe's Block.
After the adjournment of the meeting the
directors went into session, and elected the fol
lowing officers unanimously:
President-Louis Newberger.
Vice-president-J. II. Brush.
Treasurer-Chares F. Meyer.
A secretary and manager are to be appointed
and for the former place Albert Ovens it is ex
pected, will be chosen The manager, however
will not be named for several days yet. The di
rectors say there is no longer any question abou
securing the club. They will go ahead at once
and file articles Incorporating the club Tn
$14.5 500 payable to the League on the 23d inst
will be paid Immediately and the contract for
mally closed After this the players will b
signed, dates definitely arrangned, the ground
improved, and all other arrangements made t.
carry out the seasons schedule